A Silver Brand — page 208: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

- 900 A SILVER BRAND. sir. Do you want it for an exhibition or a fete, and how soon ?”’ | “T-only came to make inquiries about it for another,” — returned the man, completely nonplused by this entirely unsuspicious behavior. “But I’m very much interested in balloons just now.” | “Tl fix it up as soon as I can, if you will make it worth while. - I’ve been altering and experimenting a long time back. There’s room for new invention and discovery, l confess.” ake | ‘You were out two days ago, your wife admits. What route did you take? where did youland? I wonder if it was your balloon I heard about plunging down so madly into one of the fields belonging to thc Schrodter domain ? There are two or three people who saw the man.” “Likely as not. I’m not familiar with the great people or their estates, and shouldn’t know whose fields I tres- passed on, unless some one came toinform me. But about . my balloon, did you wish to try a trip in it?” 7 ~ “T shouldn’t mind, I confess.” ‘““And are you in a hurry?” questioned Carl, with all the eagerness of an enthusiast and expert. ‘‘I could get ready in two days by working a little at night, if you make it worth my while. I’m a poor man, you know, and can’t afford to throw away my money.” : ‘IT can put it in your way to make a snug little sum,” said the man as eagerly, and turning upon him abruptly. “Find me that lady who was taken out of the Forest House by a balloon, and three hundred florins shall be. yours at once. You know whatI mean. There is no use in trying to counterfeit amazement. While I have been sitting here my man without has signaled the arrival of a courier dispatched :to find the boy who brought back your balloon the other night. He has proved you to be the man — we seek. His signal tells me that. Choose quickly, my man, between this comfortable little competence or ruin and a prison.” - Carl’s eye flashed proudly as he replied : “Your words are very strange. I have nothing to say about a lady, nothing whatever.” “Your choice, sir, between a well filled purse and a prison. Understand that the demand is made by no humble or insignificant person. The hand that offers gold or iron bars has the ability to perform,” repeated the other, sternly, going to the door as he finished, and giving three raps upon it, which was immediately answered by comicbooks.com —